Marriott Element vs Grand Legacy

[kes601]

We are planning a 9 night stay next summer and have been looking for some good early deals on hotels and have found a couple of them. We have never been to Disneyland so have no reference on anything other than what we can find on YouTube.

Which of these would you choose (they are both Queen rooms):

• Grand Legacy in their newly remodeled "tower" for $1521
• Element Anaheim for $2094

From what I can tell the rooms at Element are quite a bit larger and the hotel overall is obviously newer and may have slightly better amenities. Grand Legacy rooms are new in that they are in the 'tower" but the rest of the hotel seems to be more run down. The walk from Grand Legacy is obviously quite a bit shorter as well, but we don't mind walking a bit more. For reference, we have no issues doing the walk from Boardwalk Villas to Hollywood Studios or from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom.

Thanks for any thoughts.

ETA: if it matters we are used to staying in DVC studios at WDW.

 

[teawar]

My family stayed at the Element over spring break 2022 and loved it! Our room was huge and we had a queen bed, bunk beds, and a sleeper sofa. We spent 3 nights there and 2 nights at Grand Californian DVC and honestly liked the Element better. The walk would be comparable to Boardwalk from HS. The breakfast the was included was really good with some healthier/nutritious options in addition to the normal hotel breakfast. The hotel was clean, staff was friendly, and it was really convenient to the parks.

I’ve never stayed at the other hotel you mentioned.

Good luck making your decision.

 

[Pluto468]

I haven't stayed at either, but have heard alot of people complain about the rooftop bar at the Grand Legacy. We stayed at the Best Western right next door last time, and the music from the bar was very loud even at our hotel.The noise might depend on where you're located at Grand Legacy. I think the bar is in the new tower.

 

[kes601]

My family stayed at the Element over spring break 2022 and loved it! Our room was huge and we had a queen bed, bunk beds, and a sleeper sofa. We spent 3 nights there and 2 nights at Grand Californian DVC and honestly liked the Element better. The walk would be comparable to Boardwalk from HS. The breakfast the was included was really good with some healthier/nutritious options in addition to the normal hotel breakfast. The hotel was clean, staff was friendly, and it was really convenient to the parks.

I’ve never stayed at the other hotel you mentioned.

Good luck making your decision.

Thank you, that is very helpful.

 

[crystal1313]

We stayed in the new tower on the 2nd floor at grand legacy and never heard noise from the rooftop bar. We faced towards their pool. It was one of our quietest stays in Anaheim. I’m not sure how loud it will be if you have a room on the higher floors though.

If you are used to a studio, you might like the kitchenette at the element more. You are correct. The element is newer and the room size is great. Plus they have a hot breakfast that is pretty darn good and well laid out. Yes, the walk is a bit longer. For us, it was still ok. We have teens, so they can walk that distance easily.

Hope that helps! Have a fun trip

 

[kes601]

We stayed in the new tower on the 2nd floor at grand legacy and never heard noise from the rooftop bar. We faced towards their pool. It was one of our quietest stays in Anaheim. I’m not sure how loud it will be if you have a room on the higher floors though.

If you are used to a studio, you might like the kitchenette at the element more. You are correct. The element is newer and the room size is great. Plus they have a hot breakfast that is pretty darn good and well laid out. Yes, the walk is a bit longer. For us, it was still ok. We have teens, so they can walk that distance easily.

Hope that helps! Have a fun trip

Thank you. We have decided the Element seems more like "us". I did switch it to the 1 Bedroom Suite and got a AAA nightly rate of $249 (including taxes and fees), so all in it will be about $2246. That seems unreal to me for the space we will have. We'll probably keep an eye out once DL releases packages for 2024 but are excited to stay here.

 

[crystal1313]

Thank you. We have decided the Element seems more like "us". I did switch it to the 1 Bedroom Suite and got a AAA nightly rate of $249 (including taxes and fees), so all in it will be about $2246. That seems unreal to me for the space we will have. We'll probably keep an eye out once DL releases packages for 2024 but are excited to stay here.

That’s a really good rate! I absolutely love their breakfast and the breakfast room. We have stayed twice and the room never gets overly crowded and chaotic. They have the room split in two areas, with the exact same items on both sides, so it’s really easy to grab what you want. And they have tons of choices for food too. I think you will enjoy your stay. Have so much fun!

 

[abby2525]

We are really looking forward to our stay at the Element. We stayed at one in Calgary and loved it. Don't mind the 10 minute walk as our kids are not toddlers or too little. Will report back after our stay. The extra room and great breakfast are must haves for us when we go anywhere.